Ider Bumi Ritual of Banyuwangi: Fencing the Bersih Desa, Embracing Festival

Abstract

The ritual was held as an expression of gratitude for the successful harvest, soil fertility, safety of the villagers, healed illness, respect for the history of the village, and driving out evil spirits that disturb the village. Rite is considered as a form of social practice to bring together various aspects of social life. Ider Bumi Rituals in Banyuwangi include: Seblang Bakungan, Seblang Bakungan, Ider Bumi Kemiren, Kebo-keboan, and Keboan which are held once a year. This paper aims to explain the dynamics of annual ritual of bersih desa in a form of festival. Using the ethnographic method, the research begins with collecting data from library sources and is supplemented by field data obtained through observation, participation, and in-depth interviews with key informants. Data interpretation is done in cultural studies by placing each event as a cultural sign that is interrelated with power relations. On the other hand, ritual dynamics and innovations occur and are developed to support tourism development programs in Banyuwangi Regency. Innovation is also to empower the efforts to improve people's welfare. Culture is not preserved only as decoration and accessories, but it also has economic value and increases the welfare of the supporting community. Thus the implementation of the ritual is related to government policy. Comprehensive meaning is done by looking at and analyzing the relationship between phenomena as a whole. This is an opportunity for optimizing the potential of the local people's creative industries and marketing local industry products.